Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
Hanukkah (28 November-6 December) celebrates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 160s BC. After outlawing the Jewish religion and Jewish practices, King Antiochus IV decreed that Jews must worship Greek gods in the Temple. The word ‘Hanukkah’ means dedication and commemorates the triumph of a band of rebel Jews known as the … Continue reading “Hanukkah”
Hear from Emma Berwick (International Business with Languages student) who recently attended the Birmingham 150 programme which she found to be a very valuable experience A four-day online programme, Birmingham 150 was focused on sustainability and our environmental impact. On the first day, we introduced ourselves and shared our opinions on certain topics. We were … Continue reading “Birmingham 150”
The joint themes for this year’s UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) are: Disability and Hidden Impairment Disability Sex and Relationships Running since 2010, this is an annual event creating a platform to focus on the history of our struggle for equality and human rights. The 4-week period covers covers HIV/AIDS Day (1 December), International Day of … Continue reading “UK Disability History Month (18 November-18 December)”
At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month – we will remember them. The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918.
Fyodor Dostoevsky (Dostoyevsky) [11 November 1821-9 February 1881], renowned Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, and journalist, his literary works explore human psychology in the troubled political, social and spiritual atmospheres of 19th century Russia. His most notable works were: Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, The Brothers Karamazov, with his 1864 novella ‘Notes from Underground’ considered to … Continue reading “200th anniversary of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s birth”
The Birth of Baháʼu’lláh is one of nine holy days in the Bahá’i calendar that is celebrated by Bahá’is and during which work is suspended. The holy day celebrates the birth of Bahá’u’lláh the founder of the Baháʼí Faith. Bahá’u’lláh was born on 12 November 1817 in Tehran, Iran and this holy day was instituted in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, his … Continue reading “Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (6-7 November)”
Guy Fawkes Night, held every year on the November 5, marks the anniversary of the discovery of a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I in London in 1605. Guy Fawkes (also known as Guido Fawkes while fighting for the Spanish) and his band of catholic conspirators were discovered and … Continue reading “Guy Fawkes’ night”
What is Diwali? Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness which is why Diwali is also known as the festival of lights. People worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord … Continue reading “Diwali (2-6 November)”
